Department: Global Partnerships
Location: Joseph Priestley Building
Salary: £44,131 to £51,182 per annum
Employment Type: Full Time (Permanent)
Release Date: 18 March 2026
Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Wednesday 08 April 2026
Reference: G126001
We have an exciting opportunity to join the Global Partnerships team at Birmingham City University (BCU). This newly established department reflects the strategic importance of international partnership development to the University’s long‑term ambitions. Global Partnerships is responsible for identifying, developing and securing sustainable, high‑quality international collaborations that expand BCU’s global reach. With a strong emphasis on transnational education (TNE), the team works closely with School Academic Leads to deliver a coordinated, institution‑wide approach to international growth. Led by the Director of Global Partnerships, the team drives the expansion and strengthening of global academic partnerships aligned to the University’s strategic priorities.
Position Summary
As Global Partnerships Development Manager, you will identify, develop and scale new international partnerships that grow programme portfolios, increase student enrolment and deliver sustainable income. You will be accountable for partnership income and recruitment targets, leading the development of financially robust, strategically aligned collaborations in priority global markets. You will manage the full partnership lifecycle, from early market scoping and opportunity development through due diligence, negotiation, business case approval and contract, before handover for delivery. Working closely with academic schools, senior leaders and professional services, you will ensure all opportunities align with the Global Partnerships Strategy and institutional priorities.
Key Responsibilities
* Drive the growth and diversification of BCU’s international portfolio.
* Identify, develop and scale new international partnerships that grow programme portfolios, increase student enrolment and deliver sustainable income.
* Manage partnership lifecycle: early market scoping, opportunity development, due diligence, negotiation, business case approval, contract, handover for delivery.
* Accountable for partnership income and recruitment targets.
* Lead development of financially robust, strategically aligned collaborations in priority global markets.
* Ensure opportunities align with the Global Partnerships Strategy and institutional priorities.
* Work closely with academic schools, senior leaders and professional services.
* Build and maintain relationships with external partners.
* Negotiate complex contractual arrangements and deliver against financial targets.
* Prepare detailed business cases and robust financial models.
* Collaborate with academic colleagues and senior stakeholders.
* Engage in cross‑cultural communication and stakeholder engagement.
* Effectively manage multiple complex projects in a fast‑paced environment.
Qualifications and Experience
* Substantial experience developing large‑scale international academic or commercial partnerships.
* Strong track record of delivering income growth through negotiated agreements.
* Degree in a relevant field (or equivalent professional experience).
* Proven experience negotiating complex contractual arrangements and delivering against financial targets.
* Ability to prepare detailed business cases and robust financial models.
* Strong understanding of international education markets and partnership models.
* Experience working collaboratively with academic colleagues and senior stakeholders.
* Excellent relationship‑building, stakeholder engagement and cross‑cultural communication skills.
* Ability to manage multiple complex projects effectively.
Benefits
Generous pension scheme and annual leave entitlement (40 days including statutory holidays), family‑friendly policies, and state‑of‑the‑art campus facilities. Hybrid working model (three days on site) allowing staff to balance on‑site engagement with remote working where appropriate.
Employment Details
The appointed candidate will normally be employed through our subsidiary company BCU Support Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Birmingham City University. Appointees with prior LGPS membership who wish to enter the LGPS scheme will be able to do so and will be employed by Birmingham City University directly.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and to an environment that supports lawful free speech and academic freedom. We will continuously review and improve our policies, practices, and procedures to ensure that we are promoting these in all aspects of our operations. We believe that by working together, combining our many different backgrounds and life experiences, we will empower each other to reach our full potential.
Further Details: Job Description
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